Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has insisted that the Blues must be “patient” with new boss Maurizio Sarri if the Italian is to succeed in West London.
Sarri, who joined Chelsea from Napoli three weeks ago, has already had a busy time at the helm, losing 2-0 to Manchester City in the Community Shield and facing continued speculation over the future of first-team talent.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, however, Barkley said that Chelsea will “see a big difference” in the team after Sarri has settled in.
“If you look back to now in three months, you’ll see a big difference,” the 24-year-old said. “You’ve just got to be a patient with getting to know the new manager’s way.”
Barkley also talked up the possibility of him rejoining the England team, but said that his priority is earning minutes in the Premier League.
“The [England] team did really well and the team’s going far,” Barkley said. “You can see the direction the team’s going in. Hopefully the performances that I put in early on I can get back in the squad.
“That’s my aim, but to be doing well for Chelsea is first thing.”
Barkley’s appearance in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat was only his fifth since joining from Everton in January.